Why do people need counsellors?

To say we live in a time of change is something of an understatement in this new century. Changes in technology, employment, relationships, families and communities sometimes lead us to question what our lives are really all about and where they are going.

Many people seeking help from counsellors and psychologists talk about emptiness, vague feelings of depression, a loss of meaning, disillusionment about work, marriage and relationships and a yearning for personal fulfilment.

Increases in the incidence of work related stress, depression and suicide are worrying trends that suggest resolving life problems is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Our ability to cope with emotional turmoil in our lives and adapt to change often depends on facing our fears, both real and imagined. When we feel distressed, we often stop believing in ourselves and think that our lives are out of control. We focus on our weaknesses and negative experiences and forget our strengths as individuals.

Counselling is a process that encourages people to understand the nature of their problems and develop effective strategies to deal with them. The counsellors' part in the process may simply be to listen and act as a sounding board for their clients to work through difficult choices. Dealing with long standing and complex issues may involve a more structured program and include a range of psychological therapies that are designed to produce significant and lasting change.